Newly Discovered Video: Van Halen Performing Live at the Capitol Centre on October 11, 1982

In October of 1982, the iconic rock band Van Halen took the stage for two consecutive sold-out shows at the Capital Centre in Landover (Largo), Maryland.

These performances hold a special place in history as the only professionally filmed concert from the 1982 North American tour is from one of these nights.

While many fans are familiar with the legendary footage from the second evening on October 12th, a newly unearthed video from the first night has recently emerged. This never-before-seen footage provides a fresh perspective on the band’s electrifying performance during their tour.

The Capitol Centre was a pioneering arena that boasted cutting-edge video screens, making it one of the first indoor venues in the country to have this feature. The four-sided projection screen, known as the “Telscreen,” provided audiences with a close-up view of their favorite rock stars, ensuring that even those in the back could enjoy a front-row experience.

The venue’s innovative use of video technology allowed for the recording of numerous concert performances, including Van Halen’s historic show. The decision to document these events has preserved an important piece of music history for fans to enjoy for years to come.

The Capital Centre, later known as the “USAir Arena” and “US Airways Arena,” was a prominent indoor arena in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Opening in 1973, the venue remained a popular destination for world-class concerts and events until its closure and subsequent demolition in 2002. With a seating capacity of over 18,000, the Capital Centre hosted a wide range of acts, including the Allman Brothers Band, who performed the inaugural concert at the venue in 1973.

Van Halen’s strong connection to the Capitol Centre is evident through their frequent appearances at the arena during their original lineup’s illustrious career. From 1978 to 1984, the band played at the Capitol Centre on almost every tour, with the exception of 1979. The camera crew at the venue captured each of these performances, creating a treasure trove of potentially unseen footage from these iconic shows.

While the two 1982 videos that have surfaced are currently the only ones available to the public, fans remain hopeful that more Van Halen performances from the Capitol Centre will be unveiled in the future. The band’s enduring legacy and impact on rock music make these recordings invaluable for fans and music historians alike.

As we cherish these rare glimpses into Van Halen’s live performances, we can only hope that more of their iconic shows from the Capitol Centre will be shared with the world. In the meantime, we can revel in the electrifying energy of their 1982 concert captured on film, ensuring that the band’s music lives on for generations to come.